When is a License or Permit Required?

To conduct charitable gambling in Minnesota, your organization must be a registered nonprofit. Typically, you will need to apply for, and receive, either a license or a permit from the Gambling Control Board. However, some small-scale raffles and bingo are excluded from the license and permit requirements.

Nonprofits and Licenses

An organization license is obtained for the conduct of ONGOING gambling activities. All the application forms and information needed for pursuing an organization license can be found on the Nonprofits and Licenses page.

Nonprofits and Permits

Generally, an exempt permit is needed for the conduct of a LIMITED NUMBER of gambling activities within a calendar year, though some low-dollar raffles and certain bingo activities are excluded from the permite requirement. Permit applications and information needed for exempt permits and excluded gambling can be found on the Nonprofits and Permits page.

Additional Activities that Require a License

Manufacturer license

A manufacturer license must be obtained by any person or entity who sells lawful gambling equipment to a licensed distributor in Minnesota. Manufacturer information and forms

Distributor license

A distributor license must be obtained by any person or entity distributing lawful gambling equipment to in Minnesota. Distributor information and forms

Linked Bingo Game Provider license

A linked bingo game provider license must be obtained by any person or entity who provides linked bingo services to organizations licensed to conduct lawful gambling in Minnesota. Linked Bingo Game Provider information and forms